FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Have a BURNING question that's not covered here?

She provides continuous support during pregnancy, labour and delivery, and the postpartum period. She is trained in all things pregnancy and baby and can provide information and resources for any question you may have. She will encourage, support, and help you make informed choices, and will do so without judgement or bias. She will be your friend and cheerleader through what will be sure to be an exciting and thrilling ride.

AND WHAT ABOUT A POSTPARTUM DOULA?

She will help to guide you through the transition to life with your new baby. She will support you in whatever way makes you feel confident and relaxed in your new role. Whether it’s companionship, help with breastfeeding, or light household tidying that you need, she can be your go-to during the renowned “fourth trimester.”

WILL A DOULA MAKE DECISIONS ON MY BEHALF?

Absolutely not! A doula will help you clear through the clutter of information and lay it out for you in a clear and concise way and support you through whatever decision you make.

WHY SHOULD I HIRE A DOULA?

Studies have shown better outcomes for both mom and baby when continuous support is present. The need for unnecessary interventions and cesareans decrease, labours are shorter, and women report greater satisfaction with their birth experience. Babies are healthier, breastfeed more easily, and are less likely to spend time in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

DOES A DOULA REPLACE MY PARTNER IN THE BIRTH ROOM?

Not at all! A doula will support your birth partner in whatever capacity they feel comfortable in.

WHAT IF I HAVE MIDWIVES? CAN I STILL HAVE A DOULA?

Absolutely! The role of midwives and doulas are very different. Your midwife’s responsibility is to the health and well-being of you and your baby, and their focus on the clinical side of labour and delivery will take precedence. A doula will be able to focus on your physical and emotional needs - however, often midwives and doulas will work together to ensure that you are cared for in all ways.

CAN I STILL HAVE A DOULA IF I PLAN TO HAVE AN EPIDURAL?

Yes! A doula will be able to explain the pros and cons of pain relief at each stage of labour. She will be able to suggest labour positions for helping labour along when you have the limited movement that an epidural brings. She will also be able to facilitate positions for comfort and breastfeeding before the feeling returns to your lower half.

WHAT IF I'M HAVING A SCHEDULED C-SECTION, IS THERE STILL A POINT TO HAVING A DOULA?

A doula can be beneficial in calming you during what can be a very sterile and intimidating environment. It’s best to check with your hospital ahead of time as to how many people will be allowed in the Operating Room. Should space be limited I would join you as soon as possible after birth, and would offer you a partial refund.

HOW SOON SHOULD I HIRE A DOULA FOR MY BIRTH?

As early as you want in your pregnancy! While many women choose to hire a doula in the second trimester, I would guide and support you earlier if you so wish. After all, there are many concerns or questions that may arise in the first trimester.

I HAVE BEEN THROUGH A PREVIOUS LOSS (MISCARRIAGE, STILLBIRTH, NEONATAL DEATH) AND AM PREGNANT AGAIN - WHAT CAN YOU OFFER ME THAT OTHER DOULAS MAY NOT BE ABLE TO?

I’ve been there and I understand. As your doula, you would have the same support that I offer as a birth or postpartum doula, but I would be able to help you navigate through the spectrum of emotions that can surface during a subsequent pregnancy. I am here to offer emotional and physical support, as well as resources to help you along your path to your rainbow baby.